Benefits of Singing Lullabies to Babies

Singing lullabies to your baby is not only a soothing way to help them drift off to sleep, but it's also a beautiful bonding experience. The gentle melodies of lullaby songs can signal to your little one that bedtime is near, creating a comforting and familiar routine. As your child grows, these songs may become cherished memories, turning into a childhood lullaby they’ll remember fondly. What starts as you singing to your baby can evolve into a shared moment as they become toddlers and begin singing along with you.

Benefits of Singing Lullabies to Babies

There's nothing more soothing than singing to your baby and sharing songs and lullabies, especially at the end of the day when it's time for sleep. Listening to your voice as you sing lullabies can help your baby wind down before bed as part of a bedtime routine. Singing lullaby songs and incorporating them into your baby's routine not only calms your little one but can also boost their development in several important ways.

When you sing a lullaby to your little one and rock them in your arms, you may 

• Stimulate early development of language

• Foster bonding and attachment.

• Enhance your baby’s sense of spatial awareness.

• Promote self-regulation and self-soothing.

As your baby grows, lullabies can play a role in creating peaceful bedtime routines. From gentle newborn lullaby songs that help soothe and calm, to relaxing lullabies for babies to go to sleep. Each stage of childhood can benefit from the calming power of songs and lullabies. Even as toddlers, familiar bedtime songs for kids can bring comfort and help establish structured bedtime routines. Explore the next sections for examples of these calming melodies and how they can help your little one enjoy peaceful nights of sleep.

Gentle Newborn Lullabies

Newborns respond well to soft, repetitive melodies, making lullabies an ideal way to soothe them to sleep. Singing gentle newborn lullabies helps reduce overstimulation and creates a sense of security, signaling that it's time for rest. Research shows that music, especially infant music lullabies, significantly lowers stress levels and promotes emotional regulation in babies and parents​. Incorporating these soothing tunes into your bedtime routine can calm both you and your baby, fostering emotional regulation and bonding.

The following are lullabies you can play or sing to your infant. 

“Cradle Song” (Brahms’s Lullaby) or “Wiegenlied”

A timeless classic lullaby, “Cradle Song”, commonly known by its first line, “Lullaby and goodnight,” was composed by Johannes Brahms and first published in 1868 as “Wiegenlied” (German for cradle song). Brahms originally composed this lullaby for a close friend on the birth of her second child. The lullaby lyrics, based on a traditional folk poem, have been translated into various languages, but they carry the same gentle message that encourages your infant to relax and fall asleep. 

Lyrics

Lullaby and goodnight, with roses bedight With lilies o'er spread is baby's wee bed Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed

Listen to Celine Dion’s ethereal rendition of the lullaby:

“Hush Little Baby”

Most likely originating from the Southern states, this baby lullaby promises rewards for a child if they are quiet for naptime or bedtime. Many famous artists such as Joan Baez, Regina Spektor, and Nina Simone have recorded this lullaby, and there’s even an R&B version of it called “Mockingbird,” which has been performed by Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, and Etta James, among others. The melody is easy for any parent to master. In addition, dads can sing it, too—just switch out “mama” with “dada.”

Lyrics

Hush, little Baby, don't say a word, Mama's gonna buy you a Mockingbird. And if that mockingbird don't sing, Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring turns brass, Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass.

This soothing version from Nick Lachey is an adorable take on this classic lullaby:

“Baby Mine”

In the 1941 Disney film Dumbo, “Baby Mine” is sung by Dumbo’s mother, a caged circus elephant, as she cradles her little one with her trunk. The tune and the lullaby lyrics are perfect and reinforce the bond between parent and child, the comfort of being cared for and watched over.

Lyrics

Baby mine, don't you cry Baby mine, dry your eyes Rest your head close to my heart Never to part, baby of mine Little one when you play Don't you mind what you say Let those eyes sparkle and shine Never a tear, baby of mine

Listen to The Hound + The Fox version of “Baby Mine”

“Rock-a-bye Baby”

Both a nursery rhyme and a baby lullaby, “Rock-a-bye baby” or sometimes “Hush-a-bye baby” is based on an English ballad called “Lillibullero.” You may be wondering, “What is the most popular lullaby?” Well, this is probably among the best-known lullabies for babies, mostly for its unusual lyrics, which first appeared in the Mother Goose nursery rhymes. Since the lyrics are a bit graphic, if you’re creative, you could write your own to go with the melody.

Lyrics

Rock-a-bye baby on the treetops. When the wind blows, the cradle will rock. When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall. And down will come baby, cradle and all.

Use this instrumental version as background music when you sing the lullaby to your baby:

Lullabies for Babies-Relaxing Melodies for Peaceful Nights

Lullabies for babies can play a key role in transitioning them into peaceful sleep. Below are some examples of baby lullabies and songs known for their calming effects, perfect for incorporating into your nighttime routine.

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

With its famous lullaby lyrics based on a 19th-century poem by Jane Taylor and music derived from the French melody “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman” from 1761, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is one of the most popular lullaby songs. It’s simple yet evocative lullaby lyrics encourage dreaming, wonder, and imagination; perfect for helping your baby relax and drift off to sleep. As your little one grows, you can introduce them to the fun hand movements. You might even remember these from your own childhood.

Lyrics

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky.

Lisa Loeb’s version of the childhood song is adorable:

“Over the Rainbow”

“Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz has become one of the most famous lullaby songs for its heartfelt melody and theme of making dreams come true. Composed by Harold Arlen with lullaby lyrics by Yip Harburg, this classic tune won an Academy Award in 1939 and continues to be a beloved lullaby for babies. Its soothing melody makes it perfect for helping little ones relax at bedtime. You can enjoy a beautiful rendition of it here “Over the Rainbow”.

Lyrics

Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high And the dreams that you dream of Once in a lullaby Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dream of Dreams really do come true

Watch this version by the late Hawaiian singer Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole:

“Sleep, Baby, Sleep”

Based on German lyrics from 1611 and a melody composed in 1876, this charming lullaby features imaginative lullaby lyrics where both parents play a role. In the song, dad tends the sheep while mom shakes dreams from a tree, gently encouraging the baby to fall asleep with sweet dreams. This baby lullaby is perfect for making bedtime a shared experience, and you can even turn it into a duet with your partner​.

Lyrics

Sleep, baby, sleep Your father tends the sheep Your mother shakes the dreamland tree And from it fall sweet dreams for thee Sleep, baby, sleep Sleep, baby, sleep.

Listen to this version of the classic lullaby:

“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)”

Fans of The Beatles and John Lennon will recognize this touching lullaby, written by Lennon for his son Sean. Inspired by a nightmare Sean had, the lullaby lyrics express the love and comfort Lennon wished for his son at bedtime. 

If you prefer, there's also a beautiful cover Celine Dion. The lyrics can easily be adapted for your daughter, making it a heartfelt lullaby for any child. Feel free to adapt the lyrics for your daughter—it doesn’t just have to be for boys!

Lyrics

Close your eyes, Have no fear, The monster's gone, He's on the run And your daddy's here, Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, Beautiful boy.

Listen to John Lennon’s original version here:

Baby Development Milestones Watching how your baby grows and develops is an important part of parenthood. Keep track of your little one's progress with our articles! Learn more

Calming Lullabies for Toddlers

As toddlers grow, lullabies continue to play an essential role in their bedtime routine. While they may be more active and energetic during the day, calming lullabies for kids can help them unwind and transition into sleep. Familiar bedtime songs for kids create a sense of comfort and security, making bedtime less of a struggle.

At this stage, toddlers may even begin to sing along with their favorite lullaby songs, which not only strengthens your bond but also encourages language development and emotional expression​. 

“When You Wish Upon a Star”

This tender song appears in the classic Disney animated film Pinocchio, which was originally released in 1940. It’s one of the highest-ranked Disney film songs and won the 1940 Academy Award for Best Original Song. The lyrics are easy to remember. The song encourages reaching for the stars, following your heart, and dreaming big, making it a perfect, calming lullaby for toddlers as they drift into sleep

Lyrics

When you wish upon a star Makes no difference who you are Anything your heart desires Will come to you If your heart is in your dream No request is too extreme When you wish upon a star As dreamers do

Watch the opening credits to Pinocchio to hear the original song:

“You Are My Sunshine”

Although not originally a lullaby, “You Are My Sunshine” has become one because of its touching lyrics. Originally a country song, in recent years it’s appeared in many TV commercials with babies. It’s considered one of the most-covered songs in American popular music.

Lyrics

You are my sunshine My only sunshine  You make me happy When skies are grey  You'll never know, dear How much I love you  Please don't take my sunshine away.

Listen to this version by Kina Grannis:

“A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes”

Based on Hungarian composer Franz Liszt’s Etude No. 9, this Disney song from the animated film Cinderella also encourages dreaming. Cinderella sings the tune to her animal friends as she tries to imagine a world for herself outside of her daily chores and toxic stepfamily. Both this song and “When You Wish Upon a Star” are very similar in that way, making it an ideal lullaby for toddlers to help them drift off while dreaming big.

Lyrics

A dream is a wish your heart makes When you're fast asleep In dreams you will lose your heartaches Whatever you wish for, you keep Have faith in your dreams and someday Your rainbow will come smiling through No matter how your heart is grieving If you keep on believing The dream that you wish will come true

In the 2015 live-action Disney version, Lily James performs the song in the video below:

“Stay Awake”

From the beloved Mary Poppins film, this clever lullaby, written by the Sherman brothers and sung by Julie Andrews as the iconic Mary Poppins, uses a bit of reverse psychology. 

After a busy day, Mary Poppins sings “Stay Awake” to help the Banks children, Jane and Michael, fall asleep. Despite its title, the soothing melody works wonders, making their eyelids grow heavy as they peacefully drift off. This timeless lullaby song is perfect for winding down an energetic toddler at bedtime.

Lyrics

Stay awake, don't rest your head Don't lie down upon your bed While the moon drifts in the skies Stay awake, don't close your eyes. Though the world is fast asleep Though your pillow's soft and deep You're not sleepy as you seem Stay awake, don't nod and dream.

For fans of the film, this would be a cute way to sing your baby to sleep:

“What a Wonderful World”

First recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1967, the song “What a Wonderful World” didn’t hit it big until 1988. Supposedly its promoter didn’t think it was upbeat enough, so it languished for years until it was rereleased. It eventually became one of the most recognized songs in the world, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. There’s something so easy and pure about the melody and the lyrics, making it ideal to sing to your toddler to sleep.

Lyrics

I see trees of green, red roses too I see them bloom for me and you And I think to myself what a wonderful world. I see skies of blue and clouds of white The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

Listen to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”:

The Bottom Line

Still wondering what is a good lullaby to sing to your little one? Singing any of these lullabies or bedtime songs for babies to your little one at nighttime are good options. They can create a wonderful bonding moment as well as help your baby go to sleep. But by no means are you limited to these selections. We hope these lullaby ideas inspire you to warm up your vocal cords and maybe even create a lullaby for your baby.

In the meantime, check out this article on newborn sleep to learn more about your baby’s sleeping needs and to discover ways to soothe them when they’re crying. Singing them a lullaby is one of the tips!

Once your baby is sound asleep, don’t forget to earn rewards in the Pampers Club app.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}